How to Match Your Bridal Shoes to Your Wedding Dress

When you start shopping for your bridal shoes, you want to keep in mind certain things about your wedding gown to get a good match. The color of your dress is one thing. If you wish to match it, definitely get a swatch you can take shopping with you. However, do not feel like you are limited to white or ivory shoes; a lot of brides these days are making a splash with blue, green, red, or metallic footwear. It is a fun way to add personality to your attire and also makes the shoes more likely to be worn again after the wedding. And if you are splurging on a to-to-die-for pair of designer heels, every little bit of justification for the price helps!

The style of your dress is also very important, particularly if you are wearing a vintage inspired gown. Pumps, slingbacks, peep toes, and D’orsay pumps look wonderful with classic 1950s inspired wedding dresses. If you wearing a flapper inspired beaded sheath, you might consider a high heeled Mary Jane in a champagne silk color. More cutting edge modern gowns can carry off really wild shoes, so shop with abandon. You can consider high heels with a slight platform (a high platform tends to make it hard to walk without stomping), crystal encrusted stiletto heels, patterned shoes, or whatever else captures your fancy.

The shoe fabric is another thing to consider. It should complement the material of your gown, but not necessarily match it exactly. If your gown is made of silk, a silk pump or sandal would definitely work. Dresses made of matte fabrics like crepe or chiffon tend to look better with non-shiny crepe fabric shoes. But you can also experiment with interesting textures. A simple A-line strapless gown would be great with an exquisite pair of lace heels. Or choose a metallic brocade to wear with a mikado dress. Generally speaking, if your gown is very textured, your shoes should be less so. Lace pumps with a lace dress would be overdone.

Look for shoes that tie in with the embellishments on your gown and in your bridal jewelry. If you are wearing a dress with a crystal belt and sparkly cz bridal jewelry, choose footwear with a gorgeous crystal brooch on the toe. If you are wearing a shredded chiffon gown and a feather fascinator tucked into your hair, opt for shoes with a fun feather accent. Brides who are pulling a signature color into their gown and bridal jewelry and also use that hue for their footwear. It is a great way to tie your whole look together.

Practical Wedding Planning Advice About Florists

A successful working relationship with your wedding florist starts with determining your flower budget. You have to know what you can spend before you start picking out bouquets and centerpieces. Also think about what you really want from a florist. While most brides hire a floral designer to do all of the wedding arrangements, some brides DIY some of their decorations and only hire a florist for specific things. For instance, you might want to make your own centerpieces, but have the florist create the bouquets and boutonierres.

It is helpful to know what role you want a florist to play in your wedding planning before you start meeting with them. You may find that some are very flexible about providing a la carte services, while the big name floral designers may want to have creative control over the entire event. It is also smart to have at least a general sense of your wedding decorating style in mind before signing a contract.  While most can certainly create beautiful arrangements in a wide range of styles, it helps to have a florist who “gets” your sense of style. A florist who specializes in formal, elaborate centerpieces might not be the best one to decorate your whimsical reception or rustic casual wedding.

Come to your initial interview with a florist prepared with color swatches, pictures of bouquets and centerpieces that you like, and photos of your wedding venue. Be sure to let them know if you have any special requests, as that can affect the quote they give you for their services. Perhaps you want to have crystals added to your bouquet to match your crystal bridal jewelry or you would like to carry the same variety of orchid that your mother did. At the same time, it pays to be open to suggestions from the florist. They are the professionals, after all, and if they are advising against choosing a specific out-of-season flower or recommend switching out one variety for another to trim costs, they probably have a very good reason.

Something else that will enhance your working relationship with your florist is to expect professionalism, but not unrealistic perfection. Flowers are natural things, after all, and each one is unique. It is always possible that your roses might come in looking more peach than apricot or that a certain flower is suddenly unavailable at the last minute due to a weather issue. As long as the florist delivers gorgeous arrangements in the generally agreed upon style and color, it’s all good.

Are You a Daring Bride?

Once upon a time, brides were expected to look like demure little flowers…no matter what they were really like on the inside. In these days of extreme personalization, many of the traditional taboos have loosened or flown out the window altogether. Brides who want to make a splash can do so in any number of dramatic (and sometimes even shocking) ways. The question is…are you a daring bride?

Wedding fashion, bridal jewelry, and accessories are one of the areas which offer the most opportunity to really make a bold statement. Fashion forward brides can choose from all black wedding gowns, courtesy of Vera Wang, sheer bodices that cover only the bare essentials (we have Pnina Tornai to thank for that), miniskirts, outrageous feathery skirts, and pretty much anything else you can imagine. Brides who are not quite that daring can use their accessories to break with wedding conventions. They can wear opera length black gloves, ropes of pearl bridal jewelry layered over the wedding gown, or eschew a traditional veil in favor of a madcap fascinator. Still too non-traditional for your taste? Even the most conservative bride can take a chance on a fun pair of shoes like hot pink silk pumps or a pair of cowboy boots.

Wedding receptions these days have become spectacles, with some couples feeling like non-stop entertainment is a must. If you really want to push the envelope, do what some brides have done and hire a group of Brazilian dancers to shake their…costumes during the cocktail hour. Just be aware that the skimpy attire of the entertainers will raise more than a few eyebrows. Of course for some couples, that is the point! Other daring performances couples have featured at their receptions include go-go dancers (in cages, no less), modern art dancers, and sword eaters. While all of these things will certainly make your wedding unforgettable, so would great food, terrific music, and an open bar.

Another way that a bride can be daring is to have a non-traditional wedding ceremony. One of the most exciting ideas is to have a surprise wedding. Your guests think they are being invited to a birthday or cocktail party, but surprise! – it’s really your wedding. Just as they try to pick their jaws off the ground from the shock of it, the bride can glide down the aisle in a dramatic wedding gown fit for such a bold move. What a fun way to have a wedding that no one will ever forget. Just be sure to tell your mom in advance or she might disown you!

Advice on Shopping For an Antique Engagement Ring

Anything vintage style is very much in demand these days. This passion for the past extends to jewelry, whether it is vintage inspired bridal jewelry for real antique diamond engagement rings. There are some particular things one should know when looking at antique jewelry. This is the advice you need to know on shopping for an antique engagement ring.

The most sought after antique engagement rings are those from the Art Deco period (roughly the 1920s through the early 1930s). Women love the filigree details and cut work that characterize the design of the era. Edwardian era diamond rings are also popular. The vast majority of Art Deco rings will be made in a white metal. It is important to realize that not all white metal is platinum. 14kt or 18kt white gold was also used in the time period. Platinum is more durable than white gold, which can be a factor when you are considering jewelry with a lot of fine, delicate detailing. Platinum also has the advantage of being a brighter white color as well as hypoallergenic. The chief appeal of white gold is that it is less expensive. These are all factors to weigh when looking at rings.

One thing to realize when evaluating a vintage ring is that many will have diamonds which are cut differently than what you see in new rings today. Many of the Art Deco rings will have European or Old Mine cut diamonds; while round, they are not the same cut as a modern round brilliant. European and Old Mine cut gems tend to have a softer sparkle than modern cuts. Just like a modern cut diamond, an older cut gem can be appraised for its color, clarity, and value.

Due to its age, you will want to carefully inspect an antique engagement ring before purchasing. Look at the shank (the back of the band) to see if it has worn thin. A thin shank does not necessarily mean that the ring is not a good choice, but it may need to be repaired. Look under a microscope at the setting of the diamond, which may need to have its prongs re-tipped. Also be alert to any previously done repairs. While it is acceptable that a vintage piece has been repaired, it should not be obvious.  A nice thing about many of the Art Deco designs is that they are plain in the back of the ring, which means they can be re-sized to fit your fiancee’s finger. Her one-of-a-kind ring will be sure to take her breath away!

Fabulous New Trends for 2012 Wedding Dresses

The Fall 2012 wedding gowns have just been shown in New York, and some beautiful trends have been emerging. We are seeing continuations of some of the trends from recent seasons (especially natural waistlines and tulle), and the introduction of a few new trends. Get inspired by all the fabulous trends for 2012 wedding dresses.

Tulle rules! Virtually every single bridal designer featured tulle in their collections. The fun thing is that tulle skirts are being shown in a wide variety of ways. There are classic tulle ballgowns, such as the timeless jeweled bateau neck gown shown at Amsale. Many designers featured tulle formed into fluffy three-dimensional forms for fullness and movement on the skirt. There were drop waisted and empire waist tulle skirts on gowns at Marchesa. There were even wedding gowns made with crumpled black tulle at Vera Wang. And if tulle isn’t your thing, other sheer fabrics like organza and chiffon are also very popular.

Lace is another fantastic trend for 2012 wedding gowns. Like tulle, lace was one of the hottest things going at the Fall 2012 bridal market. Brides craving a non-copycat version of the Princess Kate bridal gown will adore a fabulous new lace bodice gown with sleeves by Marchesa. It has a sweetheart neckline under a very dramatic lace and a cummberbund at the waist. It is a cross between Kate Middleton and Grace Kelly, done with a unique lace for an updated twist. Royal inspiration propelled lace to a top trend at virtually every bridal house.

Vintage inspired beaded sheaths were a gorgeous style that was shown by some designers for 2012 weddings. Jenny Packham in particular showcased numerous fluid gowns with incredible embroidery and beadwork. There were beaded chiffon gowns that skim the body and slinky draped satiny halter gowns like something out of the Golden Age of Hollywood. It would be fun to play up the retro nature of these chic dresses with crystal chandelier bridal jewelry. Pnina Tornai had her own take on vintage style sheath bridal gowns, with plenty of her signature jeweled accents.

A trend for 2012 wedding dresses that all brides will enjoy is the broad array of neckline choices. There are certainly still a lot of strapless dresses around, but there are a lot of other options too. There were gowns with sleeves, illusion necklines, one shoulder dresses, halters, slender tank straps, bateau necklines, and even sheer wrapped shoulders. A standout neckline was a very elegant portrait neckline wedding gown designed by Carolina Hererra. I love that brides will be able to find a gown in any neckline that they want for 2012!

Hot Trends In Wedding Shoes

Wedding shoes are anything but basic white pumps these days. In fact, one of the hottest trends in bridal footwear is to wear a color other than white. Blue is one of the most popular options, as it makes a great “something blue” for the bride. Tiffany blue is sweet for the bride who wants a subtle hint of color, while a rich cobalt hue is fabulous for fall and winter. Jewel tones in general are on the rise for wedding shoes this fall, so feel free to look at opulent shades of plum, cranberry, and emerald. It would be spectacular to order custom bridal jewelry made with crystals in the same hue.

Sparkle is always popular for brides, from the bridal jewelry in their hair right down to the tips of their toes. A crystal buckle or beaded strap on a pair of sandals is ideal for the bride who wants just a hint of sparkle. But the stronger trend right now is to fully embrace all out sparkle, in the form of a glitter covered evening shoe. Choose from metallic silver, platinum, or gold in a classic high heel pump style. The best part about choosing these is that you will definitely get to wear them many times again. Just imagine how awesome your glittering pumps will look with your favorite little black dress for your next cocktail party.

If sparkle is not really your thing, you may well enjoy another hot accessory trend these days: lace. Especially chic is a funky shoe dressed up with feminine lace, such as a lace bootie. It’s a fun choice for the fashionista bride who wants to walk the line between classic and trendy. Lace over a colored shoe is another great look for a wedding. Black lace over a pale ballerina pink flat would be absolutely charming with a tulle or organza bridal gown. All black lace is a great option for bridesmaids who want to wear black shoes, as it makes them look more romantic.

All sorts of interesting details are appearing on bridal shoes this season. Add style to your bridal ensemble by wearing something unique, such as a fanciful row of ruffles down the back of a pump, pleats on the toe, a charming rosette, or a big splashy bow on the side. As for the shape of the shoe itself, high heels are definitely in right now. Many of the most striking styles feature a low platform under the toe. Designs with open sections such as peep toes, slingbacks, or D’orsay pumps (my personal favorite) are particularly in vogue.

Pretty Rustic Barn Wedding Decorations

Rustic barn weddings are very popular, especially in the fall. Such a special venue calls for just the right type of decorations. They should be pretty enough for a wedding, yet casual enough to suit the location. These are some wonderful ideas for pretty rustic barn wedding decorations.

Great lighting can be one of the best ways to dress up a barn. The big open space can feel a bit dark if not properly lit. Lanterns are one of the best styles of lighting for a barn. Fill them with tall pillar candles in either ivory or your wedding colors for a great effect. Lanterns can be used as centerpieces, hung from rafters in the barn, or set out around the perimeter of the space. Another fantastic lighting idea is to to hang strings of globe lights around the rafters of the barn. You can also use dozens of tiny round glass candleholders filled with votives to suspend over the dance floor. They will create a romantic flickering light that will dance on your bridal jewelry.

Flowers are always an important part of a wedding, and there are many varieties which are well suited to a rustic wedding. Traditional flowers like roses, lilies, tulips, and orchids tend to look out of place in a barn. The best choices are casual blossoms with a country feeling, such as sunflowers, mums, dahlias, and craspedia. For an interesting kick, incorporate non-floral accents into bouquets and centerpieces. As for the centerpieces, why not display them in rustic vessels? Fun ideas include oversized galvanized tin pails, watering cans, wooden boxes, or even carved out pumpkins.

Wreaths always look fantastic for a barn wedding. They can be made from a number of different materials to fit in with the rustic theme. A wreath made of wheat tied with a satin ribbon creates a look of understated rustic elegance when hung on a barn door. Dried flowers make for romantic yet rustic wreaths. They would be lovely hung on the wall behind the head table. A cute idea is to suspend tiny wreaths of lavender or herbs on the backs of the bride and groom’s chairs.  It is the type of little extra which will add a lot of character to your wedding reception.

Types of Bridal Showers

Games Shower. For some people, a bridal shower means lots of silly games. Think making a wedding dress out of toilet paper, competing on a quiz about who knows the bride the best, a kitchen utensil word scrambles. This style of wedding shower is also for ladies only, and it tends to work best when there is a fairly large group so that there is enough competition for the games. Traditional brides might really enjoy this type of shower, while modern brides often find it to be hopelessly outdated. Choose a games style of bridal shower only if you think the bride will enjoy it.

Lingerie Shower. Definitely a ladies only affair! While this is a traditional kind of bridal shower, not every bride-to-be will be comfortable opening intimate presents in front of a group. It is best to get the okay from the guest of honor before planning a lingerie shower. The type of shower should be noted on the invitation so that guests know what kind of gift to purchase. Always include a gift receipt in case the items need to be exchanged for a different size. While the bride’s girlfriends might want to get her something sizzling for the honeymoon, the mothers of the bride and groom would do well to stick with pretty nightgowns that will not make the bride die of embarrassment on the spot. (Besides, knowing that his mom picked out that hot little number will pretty much kill the mood for the groom!)

Jack and Jill Shower. This style of co-ed wedding shower has become more popular in recent years. Also called a stag and doe party, the groom is present at this one, as are male guests like brothers, groomsmen, and fathers of the bride and groom. The presents for a Jack and Jill shower should not be personal gifts for the brides like the lingerie or gifts of bridal jewelry that would be right for other kinds of showers. Rather they should be geared towards both the bride and groom. Items like cool clocks, barware, and gourmet food baskets are ideal for a co-ed shower. Speaking of food, the light fare served at a classic shower will not suffice for a party with guys present, so serve up some heartier snacks.

Spa Shower. Sometimes the best kind of shower is one that combines gifts with relaxation and pampering. This is where the party at a day spa comes in. All the ladies in the bride’s life gather at a local spa for a round of pedicures while sipping mimosas and opening gifts. Little luxury items like a monogrammed silver jewelry box are particularly suitable for a spa shower, although traditional shower presents like toasters or pitchers would also be perfectly fine. Throw a spa shower for the bride who loves to be pampered. When you match the style of party to the personality of the bride-to-be, it is guaranteed to be a fantastic event.

Swanky Museum Wedding Receptions

Most cities have at least one spectacular art museum. They are often designed to be very grand and impressive, with marble lined entrance halls, a stunning atrium, and incredible works of art everywhere you look. What better place to hold a formal wedding? Museum weddings are almost always held in the evening, since they are restricted to hours when the galleries are closed to the public. That gives you the perfect excuse to have a black tie affair. Just picture yourself dressed in a couture gown and custom bridal jewelry, sipping Champagne with your new husband while admiring a Monet or a Renoir – life doesn’t get any sweeter than that!

The one thing you will not need a lot of for a reception in a museum is decorations. When the space is full of original paintings and sculptures, not much else is called for. Pretty centerpieces and table linens will just about do it. That said, there are many special considerations to hosting a wedding in such a large space. For one thing, you may need to hire a lighting specialist to get the lighting just right for a museum after dark. Something else that may be necessary is a sound engineer, because the acoustics in a vast marble-clad room will be very challenging for the band to get right. And of course, you will need an insurance policy in case Uncle Fred has one too many and tips over a Ming vase or something.

When planning a museum wedding, you will probably need to bring in your own caterer. The events coordinator at the site will give you a list of pre-approved vendors, because not just anyone is going to be allowed to work there. The nice thing about working with someone who has prior experience at the museum is that they will know how to work around the venue’s strict rules about things like no beer bottles, no red beverages, and a ban on open flames. While a bit of a pain, the reason behind all of the restrictions is to protect the priceless artwork, so it is actually rather reasonable. The formal setting would make a very elegant dinner appropriate.

If you are thinking about having your wedding in a museum, remember that there are all kind of interesting ones beyond traditional art museums. You could have your reception under a giant fossil in the American Museum of National History in New York or the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Or if you are a kid at heart, why not have your event at the Children’s Museum in Pittsburgh? That would be a really fun site for a wedding with a lot of kids in attendance. Choose a whimsical wedding gown with colorful custom bridal jewelry to set a playful tone. Whichever site suits your fancy, when your wedding is surrounded by one-of-a-kind works of art, it is sure to be spectacular!

When is a Wedding Too Extravagant?

A recent article caught my eye about the excesses of weddings in India. Apparently the economic growth in India has inspired newly-wealthy (and probably plenty of old-monies families as well) to throw lavish weddings which are designed to impress their guests beyond all belief. According to the families who host these opulent parties, anything less would cause them to lose face. According to the Indian Food Minister, however, the shocking amount of food that is thrown away at the end of the over-the-top receptions is criminal. In a nation where tens of millions of children suffer from malnutrition, many have come to feel that it is absolutely terrible to waste so much food when so many go hungry.

In the United States, 30 course meals are not so common, but there are certainly plenty of weddings which cost more than most families make in a year. In the current economic climate, some people find such extravagant displays to be distasteful. Perhaps even worse, when brides with less impressive financial means see the photos of the lavish weddings in every bridal magazine and wedding television show, they can come to feel like their wedding will be a flop if they don’t have a custom lighting designer, crystal chandeliers, and personalized wedding favors. All of the extras have become expected, even for weddings where the couple has to go into debt to finance the event.

There is nothing wrong with having the wedding that one wants if it the family can afford it, but there are some things that a couple can do to ensure that their wedding does not cross the line into being an excessive show of wealth. If you are going to spend a lot of money on reception food, work with the caterer to support a local organic farmer. The big issue with extravagance is waste, so make an effort not to let your leftovers become trash. It is often possible to arrange for a homeless shelter or soup kitchen to take uneaten food. Centerpieces of cut flowers can be donated to a hospital or nursing home.

Finally, no one should feel like they have to overspend just to compete. It also pays to be a smart shopper; if you can score good deals on your flowers, bridal jewelry, invitations, and other necessities, you will have more money to splurge on the extras. Remember that in the end, what really makes a wedding memorable is the heart that goes into it, not how much it costs.